Needle Biopsy of the Lung and Pleura

Definition

A needle biopsy of the lung or pleura is done to remove a sample of lung or pleural tissue, or fluid. Pleura is the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Once the tissue is removed, it will be examined in a lab.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Leading up to your procedure, do not start taking any new medications without consulting your doctor.

You may be given pre-procedure medications for certain conditions (eg, to suppress a cough).

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Anesthesia

You may receive a mild sedative about an hour before the procedure. It will help you relax.

You may also have an injection of a local anesthetic. It will numb the area where the needle will be inserted.

Description of the Procedure

Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. You will be in a seated position, leaning forward, with your arms resting on a table for support. You should remain as still as possible. An ultrasound or CT scan will be used to locate the exact area.

A small cut will be made in your skin. Then, while you hold your breath, the biopsy needle will be inserted through the cut. The needle will be passed between your ribs until it reaches the lung or pleura. Your doctor then withdraws some cells through the biopsy needle. The needle will be withdrawn. Pressure will be put on the site of the incision. When the bleeding stops, a bandage will be applied.

How Long Will It Take?

30-60 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Before the procedure, when the local anesthetic is injected, you may feel a brief sting.

During the procedure, when the needle is inserted, you will probably feel some pressure. If you are having a lung biopsy, you will feel a quick, sharp pain when the needle touches your lung.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will rest for several hours after the procedure. Your recovery will be monitored.

A few hours after the procedure, a chest x-ray or other imaging technique may be done. This is done to make sure a lung has not collapsed and that there is no bleeding.

If there are no complications after 4 hours, you may go home.

At Home

Rest for the first day or two. Your activity may be restricted for up to one week. Follow instructions on caring for the biopsy site to avoid infection.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Coughing up blood

Pain when taking a deep breath

You feel your heart rate is fast

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.